Page 59 of The Summer of Us

“Coming right up.”

A moment later, I handed her the cup with another fake smile. “Enjoy.”

She swept out of the bakery without another word. I bowed my head, pretending to be absorbed in wiping off the nozzle, when, in fact, I was trying not to laugh. I hoped she enjoyed the weak, tepid brew I made. And the real sugar—I’d even added extra. Maybe it would help her disposition—at least it would startle her taste buds.

Sunny stepped up beside me. “You okay?”

“Fine. Definitely not my biggest fan.”

“I saw what you did. Making it with used grounds, and the sugar. She hates sugar. Calls it the white death.”

“Oh, ah…”

She nudged me in the ribs. “I could fire you for that. Messing with a customer. Shame on you.”

I faced her fully. “But you won’t. In fact, you’re going to reward me.”

“Is that a fact?”

I leaned over, dropping my voice. I gripped her waist, pulling her a little closer. “Meet me in the storeroom in five minutes, and I’ll remind you.”

She giggled, slapping away my hands. “Stop teasing. It’s too busy for that.”

I looked around the shop. It was packed. People coming and going. Tables full. Staff filling the trays as fast as possible. The sample kid was run off his feet, but Sunny was correct. Once they tasted her cookies, they joined the line to purchase them.

“We’ll be lucky if we last the day without running out of everything,” she whispered triumphantly. “I have to go and start baking for tomorrow. Sales are even better than I hoped.” She met my proud gaze. “I might be here all night, baking.”

I planned on being there to help her. I knew Abby did as well. I also knew Sunny would be exhausted on Monday.

I took advantage of not having a line. “I want you to come with me on Tuesday.”

“Where?”

“Toronto. I have a meeting in the morning, then I want to spend the rest of the day with you. We’ll come back on Wednesday.”

I let her take that in.

“We’d stay overnight?”

I nodded, my hand tightening on her waist. “At my place. Just us.”

Her pupils dilated, making her dark eyes almost black. Her voice was breathless when she replied, “Us?”

“Us,” I confirmed. “Alone.”

“The shop—”

I shook my head, interrupting her. “I spoke with your staff. You can leave them their orders, and they’ll take care of it. Abby is going to stay and help.”

“But Abby—”

Again, I was ready for her. “I spoke to Michael. He’s going to keep an eye on the shop.” I chuckled. “He’s brought his kids in here three times. He finally lucked out and Abby was out front. I watched him introduce them to her.”

“How did that go?”

I grinned. “He acted all casual and Abby was flustered, but I think it was fine. When I told him about having to be in Toronto and why I was worried, he offered, so that’s covered. Now, next objection?”

“You really want that? Me at your place?”